The goal of the E.L.P.O. Hoof Evaluation Protocol is to accurately, consistently and in accordance with an established standard be able to determine the amount and/or location of hoof distortions in individual equine feet. Although an overall rating for each foot may be achieved, individual attention to primary hoof structures is the key. Through the systematic evaluation of the external hoof anatomy, a more accurate and meaningful evaluation of the foot can be achieved, as well as a determination of the overall health and soundness of the horse. Theprimaryhoofstructuresthatwillbespecificallyevaluatedarethe:frog,bars,heels,andtoe,andwillbeevaluated from a sole viewpoint.

#0: Considered to be a perfectly natural, normal foot, free of hoof distortions that is expected to be functioning at its optimum efficiency. Hoof structures with this grade would also be representative of a foot that either requires no maintenance or has just been trimmed and/or shod, and again is free of hoof distortions.

#1: Indicative of a natural normal foot that is at the end of a trimming/shoeing period and requires basic maintenance. Minor hoof distortions seen are the result of normal growth and with basic maintenance will be returned to a #0 status. If a #1 status is achieved after trimming/shoeing, then this grade would be representative of hoof structures that possesses only minor hoof distortions that would still allow the foot to function efficiently.

#2: Feet or Hoof Structures with a #2 grade have hoof distortions that can start to affect proper foot function. Although these are commonly seen at the end of a shoeing cycle, this rating is indicative of distortions that generally were not fully dealt with at the beginning of the shoeing/trimming cycle. Feet and structures in this condition can start to negatively affect performance, but may not be recognized as problems by everyone.

#3: Feet or Hoof Structures with a #3 grade have hoof distortions that can cause minor to moderate lameness issues. Foot function is often being compromised and common gait faults such as stumbling, forging and landing toe-first are prevalent, and signs of coffin joint pathology may be recognized and even diagnosed by veterinarians. Feet or Hoof Structures with a #3 rating are challenging the soft tissue around the DIP joint.

#4: Feet or Hoof Structures with a #4 grade have moderate to severe hoof distortions that are often associated with serious lameness issues. Feet or Structures with a #4 rating have been subject to long term hoof distortion and often, irreversible damage can occur. Foot function can be at least somewhat restored with shoes, pads, and detailed hoof trimming.

#5: Feet or Hoof Structures with a #5 grade have the most severe hoof distortions that contribute to both soft tissue and bony damage. Horses are often severely lame or debilitated as a result of the distortions. A #5 rating is sometimes irreversible, but can be improved with the use of various prosthetics and more detailed hoof preparation.

Disclosure: The information presented in this evaluation protocol are only general guidelines designed for equine professionals as a means to have a standardized formula for recognizing common hoof distortions that exist in many feet with basically “normal” conformations. This evaluation protocol is not intended to diagnose any lameness, nor is it intended as instructional guidelines for trimming or shoeing. For details on hoof care guidelines, please look at the “E.L.P.O. Hoof Trimming & Shoeing Protocols” offered by the Equine Lameness Preven-tion Organization, Inc.

General Overview of Distortion Evaluation Scale Ranging from 0 (No Distortion) to 5 (Extreme Distortions)

Developed byThe Equine Lameness Prevention Organization, Inc.

www.LamenessPrevention.org

Version 1.4 - 4.10.17

Negative Plane Distal Phalanx (Neg. Palmar/Plantar Angle) Negative Plane Distal Phalanx (NPDP or NPA) has only been talked about over the last 15 or 20 years. This is a condition were the rear of the coffin bone is closer to the ground than the front of the bone. Although there are some feet where the coffin bone sits parallel to the ground, most feet have a slightly positive angle, where the palmar/plantar aspect is raised. At this time, we feel that a negative angle is not normal or desir-able and may be a cause or result of pathology in the foot. Most horses with this condition have some lameness, body soreness or performance issues. Some characteristics that are often associated with a Negative Palmar/Plantar Angle are: Bull Nose dorsal wall, prolapsed frog with closed central sulcus, and unstable, trashy heels that grow almost parallel to the ground with severe bar curvature yet a relatively short toe. This condi-tion is also often associated with hock or stifle pain, and an extremely sore back. An NPA foot does not always posses all of these characteristics,

so if you have concerns, a radiograph will be the most helpful way to confirm. Again, the numbered foot on the lower right may be representative of a foot that has a Negative Palmar/Plantar Angle.

Toe Length

Frog Length

Medial Bar

Lateral Bar

Lateral Heel

Frog WidthCentral SulcusQuality

Medial Heel

Toe LengthFrog Length

Medial Bar

Lateral Bar

Lateral Heel

Frog WidthCentral SulcusQuality

Medial Heel

Club/Upright Feet Although many people consider Club or Upright feet to be abnormal feet, or at least undesirable, they are in fact quite common and can be very sound and functional feet as long as they are recognized and treated as individuals. To the left is a general overview of the different character-istics of both moderate and severe club feet. Moderate Club/Upright feet are very common and if properly managed tend to be non-problematic. Severe Club Feet are not as common and proper care is necessary in order for these feet to avoid pathology. Being able to recognize these conformational variations is the key to developing a proper management approach, and the E.L.P.O. Evaluation Protocol can give you information that may encourage you to look closer at a foot and be more aware of its classification. Below is an example of a numbered evaluation that may be typical of a club foot.

A

A

1/4” +

0

1

2

3

4

5

A

A

+

A = CS LengthA 25%

A

=/-+/=

Frog Length

Frog Length

Frog Length

Frog Width

Frog Width

Frog Width

A = CS Length

A = CS Length

A

10-20%Frog W

idth

A

Frog Width

A

Frog Width

25-35%+ 40%

A = CS LengthA 50%

Frog Length

A = CS LengthA 75%

Frog Length

A = CS LengthA A or 100%

Frog Length

Central Sulcus (CS) is Open, Wide & Round at the Bottom.Frog Length = CS Length (A)

Frog Width = 1/4” - 1/2” Greater than the CS Length (A)

Central Sulcus (CS) is Open, with a Crease at the Bottom.Frog Length = Slight Longer than the CS Length (A)Frog Width = Slightly Greater or (+) to the CS Length (A)

Central Sulcus (CS) is Narrow, with a Crease at the Bottom.Frog Length = 25% Longer than the CS Length (A)Frog Width = Slightly Less or Equal (=/-) to the CS Length (A)

Central Sulcus (CS) is mostly Closed with a Deep Crease at the Bottom.Frog Length = 50% Longer than the CS Length (A)Frog Width = 10% - 20% Narrower than the CS Length (A)

Central Sulcus (CS) is Closed with NoAccessible or Distinguishable BottomFrog Length = 75% Longer than the CS Length (A)Frog Width = 25% - 35% Narrower than the CS Length (A)

Central Sulcus (CS) is Closed, Painful and Possibly Diseased (Thrush)Frog Length = 100% (2 Times) Longer than the CS Length (A)Frog Width = 40% or More Narrower than the CS Length (A)

10-15% (about 1/4” on 0-2 size foot)

20%

40%

60%

80%

100% +

3/8” - 1/2”

3/4”

1”

1 1/4”

1 1/4” +Fractures

Distortion

Fractures

DistortionBruising

Heel Ends 10-15% Forward from the Back of the Central Sulcus (about 1/4 on 0-2 size foot)Midline of the Bar is Between 3/8” & 1/2” from the Plane of the Frog CommissureToe Length is Equal or 1/4” Longer than Length from WPOTF to the Back of Frog

Heel Ends 20% Forward from the Back of the Central SulcusMidline of the Bar is 3/4” from the Plane of the Frog CommissureToe Length is 1/2” Longer than the Length from WPOTF to the Back of Frog

Heel Ends About 40% Forward from the Back of the Central Sulcus (just under half way)Midline of the Bar is 1” from the Plane of the Frog CommissureToe Length is 3/4” Longer than the Length from WPOTF to the Back of Frog

Heel Ends 60% Forward from the Back of the Central Sulcus (Just over half way)Midline of the Bar is 1.25” from the Plane of the Frog CommissureToe Length is 1” Longer than the Length from WPOTF to Back of Frog

Heel Ends About 80% Forward from the Back of the Central SulcusMidline of the Bar is Greater than 1.25” from the Plane of the Frog CommissureBars Contain Fractures, Black Tracts & the Deepest Part of the Commissure is DistortedToe Length is 1 1/4” Longer than the Length from WPOTF to the Back of Frog

Heel Ends 100% Forward, or at the Front of the Central SulcusMidline of the Bar is Greater than 1.25” from the Plane of the Frog CommissureBars are Fractured, Bruised, have Black Tracts & the Deepest Part of the Commissure is DistortedToe Length is More Than 1 1/4” Longer than the Length from WPOTF to the Back of Frog

*Automatic Downgrade 1 Point if the Bars contain Fractures, Black Tracts or Bruises.

*Automatic Downgrade 1 Point if the Bars contain Fractures, Black Tracts or Bruises.

*Automatic Downgrade 1 Point if the Bars contain Fractures, Black Tracts or Bruises.

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

X X

0” - 1/4”

1/2”

3/4”

1”

1 1/4”

1 1/4” +

X = Distance from WPOTF to the Back of the Frog

In general, a good frog has a nice rounded apex. The more pointed it gets, the more stretched it has become.

The frog will receive a total of 3 grades. The Quality of the Central Sulcus, the Anterior Length of the Frog, & the Width of the Frog. Each grade can tell you a lot about where needs of the foot are being met and where they are becoming distorted.

The Bars, Heels & Toe will each receive 1 Grade. The measurements listed are applicable for average size feet (Size 0 - 2). Slight adjustments may need to be accounted for with smaller and larger foot sizes.

FROG: Central Sulcus - Anterior Frog Length - Frog Width BARS: Medial & Lateral HEELS: Medial & Lateral TOE: Length

1 1/4” +